Chapter 13

In the morning, Helen took her usual brisk walk and got to work completing the changes needed in the Schellen project. The day was sunny, especially as the sun began to light the space, so she sat on the balcony. A breeze sprang up and she was glad of the shelter of the wall that separated her from the adjoining apartments. She could look out at the beach and the occasional bather or walker.

The orange cat appeared as if from nowhere, spoke briefly to her, rubbed against her legs. She rubbed his ears and he settled on the cushioned lounge.

When she called Paris to talk to Marie, she heard that good progress was being made at that end. Marie told her that Céci had even confessed that the changes were going quite easily. "Almost, Helen," Marie noted, "as though you had anticipated this."

"I wish I could say I really did, Marie," Helen admitted, "but I was sure Schellen couldn't build it as requested. Maybe it was all subconscious."

The orange cat moved from the end of the lounge and stretched himself along Helen's thigh. She felt his warmth and smiled at him.

Marie changed the subject. "I have the bidder's list here. Do you want to make any changes in it?"

"Why do you ask, Marie?"

"Well, I got a phone call a little earlier. From Switzerland."

"Who was it?"

"He said his name was Raul Sauter. He told me he was M. Schellen's brother-in-law and that he wanted a copy of the bid package when we send it out. I thought I'd better ask you about that."

"What did you tell him, exactly?" Helen's attention was thoroughly engaged.

"I did as I usually do. I asked the name of his company — Constructeurs Sauter, he said — and I looked it up. I told him that he was not on the bidder's list and that we only send bid packages to the people on the list. Just as I always do."

"What was his response?"

"He seemed a little annoyed, but he was courteous enough. He asked me to put him on the list. Well, then of course I told him he would have to submit the usual information, using the usual forms, and that I would send him a copy of the application package."

"Was that all?"

"No. He became rather abrupt. He said that he was certain that M Schellen would want him to be able to bid on the project, and that I should simply send him the bid package. I told him no, that he had to apply, just as everyone else had done."

"Good, Marie. Did he say anything else?"

"Not really. He seemed quite angry, but I got his address, and I will send him the forms, unless you object."

Helen thought about it for a moment. "No, go ahead and send the forms. I'm pretty sure what they'll show, and I don't want him bidding under any circumstances. We found out he's in court for failure to perform and possible fraud, and you know I won't deal with that sort. But he is Schellen's brother-in-law, and I'd better go by the book. That's good work, Marie, thank you."

"Well that's all right; I wanted you to know and to tell me what you wanted to do. I really didn't like him."

"He didn't say anything else?"

"He blustered a bit, until I told him I would ask if you would permit me to send him the application package. He said, 'Do you mean Mme Wallace must decide something like that?' I told him that you are very much interested in the quality of work that is done for our clients — you should have heard him snort. And he said something about how you wouldn't have any labor problems if you work with him."

"No, only the building will fall apart in five years," Helen replied. "Good going, Marie. Anything else?"

"No, not really. And perhaps I shouldn't say it, but I'd swear that he was muttering when he hung up. It sounded something like German."

"Could you understand it?"

"Oh, I speak German too, you know, but this was probably Schweitzerdeutsch. It sounded something like 'Verdammte Sau'." Marie chuckled. "I don't think he really liked the way I handled him."

"Well I do, Marie. Thanks a lot. And anyway, I don't think he was referring to you. I think he had me in mind."

Helen said her goodbyes and hung up. She wasn't sure if it was the breeze or the westering sun, but she shivered. The orange cat sensed her mood and rolled over, placing a gentle paw on her thigh.

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